Recent scores on state tests show that middle grades students have made some progress in meeting their state's academic standards over the last half-decade. Yet a closer look at state standards indicates that too many Southern Regional Education Board (SREB) states have set them too low. Quite a few states have taken steps to improve their…

This report documents the stall of progress in middle grades reading and math achievement. It analyzes results on state assessments and the National Assessment of Education Progress (NAEP) and indicates steps that will help states regain progress in achievement. It also lays out five specific strategies states can use to keep middle grades…

This report, part of the "Challenge to Lead" education goals series, documents the continued progress of SREB [Southern Regional Education Board] states in preparing early grades students for success in the middle grades--and beyond. It analyzes scores on state assessments and the National Assessment of Education Progress (NAEP) and discusses what…